Meet Jack Roy | DJ

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jack Roy and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jack, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
I think the idea of being a DJ sounds glamourous and action packed for most. However, behind the scenes there is a lot that must be done in order to stay afloat in this industry especially with the cultural shifts with technology that our society has faced in the last ten years. I’ll break it down for you all just so you can get an idea of the work that goes beyond playing on the decks.

First and foremost, you have to market the hell out of yourself. Having some sense of branding and marketing strategy is what will help get your name out there and help present yourself to future clients, whether it be potential venues you’d like to play at or becoming a regular vendor for an event agency. You MUST master social media to some degree and be comfortable with putting out content on the regular. Work to be in everyone’s face to remind them that “Hey everyone! Yes I exist and yes I DJ for a living and I am completely serious about it!” Don’t let them forget that this is what you do, and that YOU are good at it.

Networking is a great way to keep yourself busy in the industry as well. You can do all of the above, but still not receive any inquiries for bookings. Why is that? Well, people tend to refer people that they either meet in person or see at their events. Make an effort to go out and meet managers, venue owners, and other DJs. Be professional, but more importantly be yourself. Invite them to your next event. You never know who’s going to be calling you for an opportunity.

Last but not least, take care of yourself. This industry requires a lot of late nights and socializing. Take the amount of rest that you need to set yourself up for success. Don’t push yourself to the point of looking like a walking zombie at events. Yes all of the above are important, but taking care of yourself is key if you want to succeed at doing these tasks.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Forgive me for using some material I’ve said in previous interviews, but here’s my story.

I’ve been surrounded by music all my life. Living in a multi-generational household, my music taste spanned from Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and Motown classics all the way to Madonna and Cathy Dennis. Not only that, but I also got a taste of the more contemporary music through my two older sisters who at the time would jam out in their room to CDs filled with the newest 90’s and 00’s R&B and hip-hop hits. In combination with my fascination of rock, alternative and rock-adjacent music in my middle school years (emo phase), this inevitably laid the groundwork for accumulating what I consider a very diverse collection of music and music knowledge. This allowed me to slowly dub myself as the “AUX cord guy” as my classmates always wanted to have me plug my iPod into the speakers at parties.

Despite having no formal DJ experience, a close family friend gifted me my first official DJ controller, the Denon MC-3000. It was an older model, a very clunky and heavy DJ controller, but it worked. I practiced somewhat regularly and became known as what many would call a “bedroom DJ” during my college years. It was not until 2019 when I landed my first public DJ gig at The Slip Bar in Redondo Beach. Being behind the decks mixing music in front of a live audience was a feeling like no other and I wanted to keep chasing that feeling again and again. I was getting booked to DJ through a close friend of mine who organized small parties in LA, and after just a few months my talents were recognized by a close friend of his, a local DJ pioneer and icon SOSUPERSAM. SOSUPERSAM along with PARTYTIME organized a very influential R&B party in LA called 143, a party I frequented often and even worked the merch booth for. I DREAMED of performing at this party one day and I finally received that chance for the 143 NYE party. Nervous, shaky, and even suffering from food poisoning that night, it’s safe to say I totally rocked my set. SOSUPERSAM sent me a text a few days later to talk about the night and offered me the chance to become a permanent part of their outstanding line up of DJs. I’ve been extremely serious about my DJing career ever since.

Not only can you find me rocking nightclubs or local bars, but also at private parties, corporate events, and weddings as well. I take my experiences in both settings and combine them to offer a DJ experience that feels intimate, eclectic, and keeps you dancing all night long. My DJ sets are mostly open format, influenced by R&B and hip-hop sounds. I try to match the crowd’s energy, but also throw in a little bit of JackJack spice into the mix. Whether you open yourself to new music you’ve never heard of or get lost in the nostalgia of songs you haven’t heard in a while, if you’re able to have something to take home with you from my set I am satisfied. Despite only being a professional DJ for a short time, I’ve already been able to work with 88rising for their Cloud Mansion party at Coachella in 2022, the Head in the Clouds Music Festival in 2022/2023, and opened for Dillon Francis at a private event for 100 Thieves in 2021!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am a BIG advocate for linking up with an LA local (born and raised locals only) to have the best experience of LA. I feel like LA has so much to offer as a city but people get caught up in the Hollywood energy of it all.

So, here is my thing: STAY AWAY FROM TOURIST TRAPS. Don’t even bother going to Venice Boardwalk, or the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It’s really not worth it, especially these days. You’re more likely to be disappointed. Instead, why don’t you check out LA’s museum scene? LACMA and The Broad are great places to hang out, take pictures, and chat. Want the best view of LA? Go visit the Griffity Observatory! Check out Koreatown, Little Tokyo, or Thai Town to take yourself into a different world for a bit (plus the food is fantastic… did you know LA has some of the best Thai food in the country??)

Taco trucks are a must. My favorite is El Flamin Taco.

Use this information however you’d like! I’m very passionate about my city and I want EVERYONE to have a great experience while they are here.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’ve said this in prior interviews, but my roots embedded in my upcomings as a DJ go to my family friend Jeff, and the world famous LA R&B party 143 led by Partytime and SOSUPERSAM. Without the help of these people I would have never accomplished the things that I have in my career.

Also, shout out to my family, especially my #1 fan: my mom. Despite my want to chase a dream that could be rocky for most, she is so supportive of me and roots for me everyday. I love you mom and its really all thanks to you that I am able to have the freedom to go after what I want in life.

Website: www.essjackjack.com

Instagram: essjackjack

Twitter: essjackjack

Image Credits
Andrew Valdivia Sean Santos